International Festival of Wildlife and Nature Photography (Montier Photo Festival)
The world meeting for wildlife and nature photography
About Montier Photo Festival
The largest nature photography festival in Europe
Since its creation in 1996, the Montier Photo Festival has established itself as the international reference for wildlife and nature photography. Born from the initiative of a group of friends passionate about photography and wildlife, the festival began with the exhibition of the prestigious "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" competition from BBC Wildlife Magazine and the London Natural History Museum. In nearly thirty years, it has become a must-attend event that brings together over 40,000 visitors over four days.
An exceptional exhibition program
Each edition features over 100 original exhibitions spread across 15 sites throughout Montier-en-Der, Ceffonds, Droyes, Giffaumont-Champaubert, Saint-Dizier, and Vitry-le-François. The exhibitions combine large-format outdoor prints, backlit panels, and immersive installations. The biggest names in wildlife photography — Vincent Munier, Laurent Ballesta, Art Wolfe, Steve McCurry — have been invited as patrons over the years.
Conferences, screenings, and meetings
The festival offers nearly 80 hours of conferences, round tables, forums, and screenings in several dedicated spaces: the Agora of the COSEC, the Auditorium of the Halle au Blé (110 seats), and the Pôle socioculturel (300 seats). These events address major environmental issues — biodiversity, climate change, preservation of natural environments — as well as photographic techniques and exploration stories.
The international photo competition
The Montier Photo Festival organizes an international wildlife and nature photography competition open to photographers from all over the world. The award-winning works are exhibited during the festival and are the subject of a dedicated publication. Since 2010, submissions are made exclusively in digital format.
Equipment village and nature bookstore
A 1,000 m² equipment village hosts major optical and photographic equipment brands for demonstrations and trials. The nature bookstore, with over 12,000 titles, is one of the largest in France in the field of nature and photography.
A festival for all audiences
The 400 m² youth marquee offers activities specifically designed for children and schoolchildren, with over 3,500 students welcomed each year. Since 2017, the festival has also included the NightScapades, a section dedicated to astrophotography.
Montier Photo Festival — edition 2026
29th edition of the International Wildlife and Nature Photography Festival (Montier Photo Festival), from November 19 to 22, 2026 in Montier-en-Der and on the sites of Lac du Der. More than 100 exhibitions, approximately 80 hours of conferences, screenings, an international photo competition, and an equipment village, all centered around a program focused on biodiversity.
2026 Edition — 29th Montier Photo Festival
The 29th edition of the International Wildlife and Nature Photography Festival will be held from November 19 to 22, 2026 in Montier-en-Der and its surroundings (Lac du Der). The festival will offer more than 100 original exhibitions spread across about fifteen sites, nearly 80 hours of conferences, a hundred forums and round tables, screenings, the international photo competition, an equipment village dedicated to optics and photography brands, as well as a youth section.
The main themes of 2026
- Deserts: a project dedicated to Morocco, led by photographer Laurent Fiol and several Moroccan artists, with an exhibition dedicated to the fennec and a scenography under a Berber tent.
- Extinct or endangered species: presentation of taxidermied animals in partnership with the Pavillon de la Biodiversité de Metz, and an exhibition on extinct species in collaboration with the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle.
- The underground and mineral world: landscapes of Iceland, caves and volcanoes (photographers Arnaud Guérin and Julien Coquel), as well as a work on bats by Manon Berehouc.
Poster and highlights
The official poster for this 29th edition has been unveiled: a work by artist Jonathan Rebrouillat representing a capercaillie in origami, symbolizing the fragility of nature and the disappearance of species. Jonathan Rebrouillat will present a new exhibition and his book Origami Sauvage. The festival will also highlight young talents, notably Lubin Godin, winner of the 2025 Grand Prix Jeunes, in collaboration with photographer Jean-Michel Lenoir.
The detailed day-by-day program (patrons, conference and screening schedules) will be published on the official website closer to the event.
Highlights Montier Photo Festival 2026
- More than 100 wildlife and nature photography exhibitions
- 2026 Theme: deserts (Morocco), extinct/endangered species, and the underground world
- Poster signed by Jonathan Rebrouillat (origami capercaillie)
- Approximately 80 hours of conferences and a hundred forums
- International photo competition and a 1,000 m² equipment village
Prices Montier Photo Festival 2026
Practical information — Montier Photo Festival
Access and Location
The main festival site is the COSEC in Montier-en-Der (52220 La Porte du Der), in the Haute-Marne department, Grand Est region. Exhibition sites are spread between Montier-en-Der and several communes around Lac du Der and its surroundings (Giffaumont-Champaubert, Ceffonds, Droyes, Saint-Dizier, Vitry-le-François…).
By Car
Montier-en-Der is accessible from Paris (2h30 via A5/A26), Reims (1h30), Châlons-en-Champagne (45 min) or Saint-Dizier (20 min). Free parking is available near the main sites.
Shuttles
Free shuttles connect the different festival sites throughout the event.
Prices and Ticketing
Prices for the 2026 edition:
- 1-day Pass: 18 €
- 2-consecutive-day Pass: 30 €
- 3-consecutive-day Pass: 40 €
- 4-day Pass: 50 €
- Reduced 1-day rate: 15 € (14-18 years old, students, people with disabilities with card, groups of 15 people minimum)
- Sunday afternoon (from 12 PM): 10 €
- Children under 14: free
Online ticketing opens on September 15, 2026. Tickets can be collected at the chosen point of purchase: Montier-en-Der (11 avenue de Champagne) or Giffaumont-Champaubert (Village des marques, 7 chemin des Millepertuis). Payment by credit card, cash or cheque. On-site ticket offices close 30 minutes before the festival's closing time.
Opening Hours
The festival is open from 9 AM to 7 PM from Thursday to Saturday, and from 9 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.
Main Locations
- COSEC: main site with the Agora for round tables and the nature bookstore
- Halle au Blé: 110-seat auditorium for conferences
- Pôle socioculturel: 300-seat hall for screenings
- Chapiteau jeunesse: 400 m² space dedicated to children's and school activities
- Casino Joa du Lac du Der: forums in Giffaumont-Champaubert
- Les Fuseaux: 11 rue Raoul Laurent, Saint-Dizier
Catering
Several catering points are available on the main sites, offering local, artisanal and Champagne region products.
Contact and Information
Association AFPAN « l'Or Vert », 2A place Auguste Lebon, 52220 La Porte du Der. Phone: 03 25 55 72 84. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.photo-montier.org
Practical Tips
Bring warm clothes for outdoor exhibitions in November. The festival is located near Lac du Der-Chantecoq, France's largest artificial lake, offering great opportunities to discover the Champagne region's nature in addition to visiting the festival.
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Where does it take place — Montier Photo Festival
COSEC de Montier-en-Der
2A place Auguste Lebon, 52220 La Porte du Der, 52220 Montier-en-Der